Gauchos Tabbed as a National Title Contender

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – TopDrawerSoccer.com released its list of 10 national title contenders Wednesday morning and included among the ranks was UC Santa Barbara.

Here's what the article had to say about the 2012 Gauchos:

"Despite the loss of goal scoring machine Luis Silva, the Gauchos are set to be as dangerous as ever with midfielder Machael David now a senior and helping his side cope with the loss of a player of Silva's caliber.

There's experience elsewhere as well – Fifi Baiden protects the back line from his defensive midfield spot, Peter McGlynn bringing the defensive experience, and Dom Sarle the likely candidate to help replace Silva and Sam Garza's goals.

Two newcomers are likely to play a big role in Santa Barbara's chances at competing for a title – Ema Boateng, the sensational midfielder from nearby, and Dion Acoff, a transfer from Creighton."

The other teams that the website named among its top-10 were Akron, North Carolina, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Creighton, Maryland, Louisville, New Mexico and Georgetown.

The UCSB men's soccer team will kick-off its 2012 campaign this Saturday, Aug. 18 with an exhibition against Westmont at 7 p.m. at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium. Prior to the match, fans have the opportunity to visit with the 2012 Gauchos at the annual Meet the Team event. For more information on the event, click here. To RSVP, contact Christina Baglas at Christina.Baglas@athletics.ucsb.edu or at (805) 893-5372.

To ensure that you don't miss a minute of the 2012 campaign, purchase your season tickets now. The popular Family Plan includes five tickets for just $178. This year, the plan will also serve as a Flex Plan with either two season passes and three GKids memberships or five tickets – it's your call! GKids remains the best value in town for kids with access to every regular season game in every sport while wearing your GKids t-shirt. Call (805) 893-UCSB or click here to purchase your season tickets.